Apparatus and method for joining extended lengths of conduit

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for joining extended lengths of conduit. The apparatus and method provide a means for decreasing the time required to assemble extended lengths of conduit. The apparatus for use with the corresponding method comprises an apparatus head, an extender joining body and a conduit interface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the electrical wiring and related industries and arts, a tube is usedto protect and route electrical wiring in a building or structure. Thistube is called electrical conduit. Electrical conduit may be made ofmany types of materials and commonly is made of metal, plastic, fiber,or fired clay. Most commonly conduit is rigid and inflexible.Electricians and those of skills in the electrical arts at the site ofinstallation of electrical equipment typically install conduit. Theinstallation of conduit is labor intensive and requires each individualpiece of conduit to be threaded to joining devices called a coupling.The threaded coupling and conduit are then threaded to another piece ofconduit and coupling. This process is then repeated until a specificlength of coupling is joined together to facilitate the passage ofwiring through the conduit. The use, form, and installation details ofconduit are often specified by wiring regulations, such as the USNational Electrical Code (NEC) and other building codes.

The origins of early electric lighting installations trace the use ofexisting gas pipe serving gas light fixtures which had been converted toelectric lamps. Since this technique provided very good mechanicalprotection for interior wiring, it was extended to all types of interiorwiring and by the early 20th century purpose-built couplings andfittings were manufactured for use in the electrical arts. Theelectrical wiring arts evolved and electrical codes now prohibit therouting of electrical conductors through gas piping due to concernsabout causing damage to electrical insulation from the rough interiorsof pipes and fittings that are used for gas.

Electrical conduit provides very good protection to enclosed conductorsfrom impact, moisture, and chemical vapors. Electrical conduit hasvarying numbers, sizes, and allows different types of wiring to bepulled into the conduit. This simplifies the design and constructionwhen comparing it to requiring multiple runs of cables. In addition,because wiring systems in buildings may be changed over the course oftime, conduit allows the ease of changing wiring. Conduit also makeschanging wiring simpler and safer as existing conductors can bewithdrawn and new conductors installed, with little disruption along thepath of the conduit.

A layout of conduit can be made waterproof or submersible. The use ofmetal conduit can shield sensitive circuits from electromagneticinterference. The use of metal conduit can also prevent emission of suchinterference from enclosed power cables. In addition, conduit will notpermit the flow of flammable gases and vapors with seal offs. Thisresult provides protection from fire and explosion hazard in areashandling volatile substances.

In the construction of structures, there is a need to encase conduit inconcrete and certain types of conduit are approved for this use.Encasement in this manner is typically used in commercial buildings toallow electrical and communication outlets to be installed in the middleof large open areas.

Some types of metal conduit may also serve as a useful bonding conductorfor grounding. Some wiring regulations may also dictate standards orsupplemental means of grounding for certain types of conduit.

Conduits must be installed by electricians following standardregulations, as those provided by the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Electrical conduit is called Galvanized Rigid Conduit or Rigid MetalConduit (RMC). A conduit made from galvanized steel tubing is commonlyreferred as a rigid conduit. The thickness of a galvanized rigid conduitprotects the electrical wiring from being hit and allows it to bethreaded. Galvanized rigid conduits are used by electricians incommercial and industrial applications normally available in 10 foot and20 foot lengths and may be used in shorter lengths as necessary andavailable or through the process of cutting and placing threads on theshortened conduit.

Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) and Rigid Steel Conduit (RSC) are the heaviestand thickest types of conduit. They are typically made of coated steel,stainless steel, red brass or aluminum. These pipes can be installedabove ground or underground. The threads on the uncoupled end of thepipes are covered by industry color-coded thread protectors, whichprotect the threads, keeping them clean and sharp.

RMCs and RSCs are generally corrosive resistant and optionally come witha layer of PVC or zinc added to areas that are wet or highly corrosive.The zinc coating provides extra coating in areas that are wet, or highlycorrosive. Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC) are created by taking RMC,RSC, or IMC and galvanizing it via hot dipping it in zinc.

Aluminum is also used and is cheaper than a galvanized rigid conduit andlighter than a GRC conduit. Intermediate metal conduit (IMC) is steeltubing heavier than EMT but lighter than RMC.

Rigid electrical conduit is also available as Electrical Metallic Tubing(EMT). An EMT conduit is made of steel. Electrical metallic tubing(EMT), sometimes called thin-wall, is commonly used instead ofgalvanized rigid conduit (GRC), as it is less costly and lighter thanGRC. Lengths of conduit are connected to each other and to equipmentwith clamp-type fittings. Like GRC, EMT is more common in commercial andindustrial buildings than in residential applications. EMT is generallymade of coated steel, though it may be aluminum. EMT is also a verypopular material in commercial and industrial buildings because it canbe bent to specific radius and directions and it is thinner than RMC.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and a method forjoining extended lengths of conduit. The apparatus and method forjoining extended lengths of conduit provide a means for decreasing thetime required to assemble extended lengths of conduit. Current practicein the electrical arts for the assembly of conduit requires one or moreindividuals to place along a predetermined tract, lengths of conduit andcouplings and then individually assemble each piece of conduit to acoupling and then to an additional length of conduit and to repeat untilthe length of conduit is complete. Each of these steps then requires oneor more individuals to apply sufficient torque to each piece of conduitand coupling screwing them together and joining the lengths. Thiscurrent process of assembling conduit to coupling can take many hours tocomplete depending on the length of conduit. The claimed apparatus andmethods provide a means to significantly decrease the length of timerequired to assemble extended lengths of conduit along a predeterminedtract. The significant decrease of time required to assemble extendedlengths of conduit also demonstrates an unexpected property unique tothe invention at hand.

The current invention apparatus comprises a cylindrical apparatus headwith a torque application interface arranged around the circumference ofthe cylindrical apparatus head comprising indentions between twoshoulders, an extender joining body, an abutting plate, and acylindrical conduit interface comprising a threaded interior surface. Analternative embodiment of the invention comprises a cylindricalapparatus head with a torque application interface arranged around thecircumference of the cylindrical apparatus head comprising indentionsbetween two shoulders, an extender joining body comprising open ventingregions around the circumference of the extender joining body, anabutting plate, wherein the abutting plate is permanently fixed to theconduit interface, and a cylindrical conduit interface comprising athreaded interior surface for interfacing with ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch,1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103mm, 129 mm, and 155 mm conduit as well as other size conduit used in theart. Another alternative embodiment of the invention comprises acylindrical apparatus head with a torque application interface arrangedaround the circumference of the cylindrical apparatus head between twoshoulders, an extender joining body possessing openings around thecircumference of the extender joining body and further comprising ameans for attachment to an abutting plate, an abutting plate, whereinthe abutting plate is permanently fixed to the conduit interface, and, acylindrical conduit interface comprising a threaded interior surface forinterfacing with ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm, and 155 mmconduit as well as other size conduit used in the art.

Embodiments of the present invention possess an apparatus headcomprising a tapered alignment head. Embodiments of the presentinvention comprise a torque application interface possessing tab ortabbed indentions, indentions, and teeth. Embodiments of the presentinvention may comprise an extender joining body that is permanentlyfixed to the abutting plate. Embodiments of the present invention maycomprise an extender joining body that is detachable from the abuttingplate. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise an extenderjoining body with threaded screw holes at a location that interfaceswith the abutting plate and wherein the abutting plate possessesthreaded screw holes at a location that interfaces with the extenderjoining body. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise aconduit interface comprising a threaded interior surface furthercomprising threading along the entire length of the interior of theconduit interface up to the abutting plate. Embodiments of the presentinvention may comprise threaded interior surface possesses a taperedinterior surface circumference.

The current invention methods comprise the steps of placing two or morelengths of metal conduit in series along a length of tract to whichconduit is to be laid, placing metal conduit couplings between each ofthe lengths of metal conduit, attaching the metal conduit couplings by ascrewing motion to the ends of each of the lengths of metal conduit tobegin threading the metal conduit coupling to the lengths of metalconduit, stabilizing the terminal end of the lengths of metal conduit toprevent rotation, connecting an apparatus for joining lengths of conduitto the near end of the lengths of metal conduit using an embodiment ofthe apparatus described above.

An alternative embodiment of the current invention methods comprise thesteps of connecting an embodiment of the apparatus described above forjoining lengths of conduit to the near end of a length of metal conduit,placing two or more lengths of metal conduit in series to the near endof a length of metal conduit along a length of tract to which conduit isto be laid, placing metal conduit couplings between each of the lengthsof metal conduit, attaching the metal conduit couplings by a screwingmotion to the ends of each of the lengths of metal conduit to beginthreading the metal conduit coupling to the lengths of metal conduit,stabilizing the terminal end of the lengths of metal conduit to preventrotation, and, applying torque to the torque application interface,wherein the apparatus screws the lengths of metal conduit to each of themetal conduit couplings to join extended lengths of metal conduit.

An alternative embodiment of the current invention methods comprise thesteps of placing two or more lengths of threaded metal conduit in seriesalong a length of tract to which conduit is to be laid, between each ofthe lengths of metal conduit placing metal conduit couplings attachingthe metal conduit couplings by a screwing motion to the ends of each ofthe lengths of metal conduit to begin threading the metal conduitcoupling to the lengths of metal conduit, stabilizing the terminal endof the lengths of metal conduit to prevent rotation, connecting anembodiment of the apparatus described above for joining lengths ofconduit to the near end of the lengths of metal conduit, and, applyingtorque to the torque application interface, wherein the apparatus screwsthe lengths of metal conduit to each of the metal conduit couplings tojoin extended lengths of metal conduit.

Embodiments of the method may comprise the use of lengths of metalconduit that are ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm, and 155 mm indiameter as well as other size conduit used in the art. Embodiments ofthe method may comprise the use of conduit couplings are sized to fitsaid lengths of metal conduit having ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm,21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm,and 155 mm diameter as well as other size couplings used in the art.Embodiments of the method comprise the use of stabilizing the terminalend through a connection to a junction box, pipe wrench, or a tighteningdevice to stop rotation. Embodiments of the method may comprise placingtwo or more lengths of metal conduit in series along a length of tractto which conduit is to be laid is in a horizontal position. Embodimentsof the method may comprise a connecting step of threading thecylindrical conduit interface to the near end of the length of metalconduit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The present teachings will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus for joining lengths of conduitaccording to the present teachings.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view through the conduit interface according to thepresent teachings.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view displaying the threaded nature of theinterior surface of the conduit interface according to the presentteachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The current invention apparatus comprises a cylindrical conduitinterface 1, extender joining body 2, and an apparatus head 3. Betweenthe extender joining body and conduit interface is a abutting plate 5,19 and 22.

The apparatus head 3 possesses a torque application interface 10 and 25arranged around the circumference of the cylindrical apparatus head 3.The torque application interface 10 and 25 comprises indentions 6 and28. These indentions may comprise teeth or gears 6 and 28 forinteracting with a torque application device. There may one or more ofthese indentations arranged around the circumference of the cylindricalapparatus head 3. In the event that there is a single indentation, itmay be placed at a location around the circumference of the cylindricalapparatus head 3. The torque application interface 10 and 25 is placedbetween two shoulders identified as a near shoulder 9 and 26 and a farshoulder 11 and 24. The shape of the near shoulder 9 and 26 and farshoulder 11 and 24 may be a right angle or rounded. At the terminal endof the apparatus head 3 is an alignment edge 8 and 27. The alignmentedge 8 and 27 may or may not be angled with a narrowing circumference ina direction away from the near shoulder 9 and 26. As a result, theterminal end of the apparatus head 3 will have a varying diameter 7.

The extender joining body 2 is located between the far shoulder 11 and24 and the abutting plate 5 and 19 portion of the cylindrical conduitinterface 1. The extender joining body 2 may be permanently fixed to ordetachable from the abutting plate 5, 19 and 22 and cylindrical conduitinterface 1 at 15. The extender joining body is cylindrical in naturemay comprise a solid surface 13 and 23. The surface of the extenderjoining body may also comprise one or more opening or venting regionsaround its circumference. These venting regions may have an angular orrounded form. The underside of the extender joining body may compriseone or more means 17 for attachment to the abutting plate 5, 19 and 22and cylindrical conduit interface 1. The means 17 for attachment maycomprise screwing, snapping, using a spline interface, locking plug orother means permitting a secured attachment between the extender joiningbody the abutting plate 5, 19 and 22 and cylindrical conduit interface1. There may be one or more of these and they may be placed at anylocation on the abutting plate and may be located centrally

A cylindrical conduit interface 1 is attached to the abutting platebutting plate 5, 19 and 22. The cylindrical conduit interface 1comprises a base 4, 18 and 30 located opposite from the abutting plate.The length of the cylindrical conduit interface 1, 14 and 21 varies. Thediameter of the cylindrical conduit interface 1, 14 and 21 may be largeror smaller than the diameter of the extender joining body as shown by12, 16, 20 and 29. The diameter of the cylindrical conduit interface mayalso be the same as that of the extender joining body. Alternatively,the diameter of the cylindrical conduit interface 1 may be the same asthe diameter of the extender joining body as shown by 12 and 16. Theinterior surface of the cylindrical conduit interface 1 is threaded 32.The threading conforms to the standards of one or more of NPT (nationalpipe taper or American National Standard Taper Pipe Thread), NPS(national pipe straight or American National Standard Straight PipeThread), NPSC (national pipe straight-coupling or American NationalStandard Straight Pipe Thread for Couplings), NPSF (national pipestraight-fuel or Dryseal USA (American) Standard Fuel Internal StraightPipe Thread), NPSH (national pipe straight-hose or American NationalStandard Straight Pipe Thread for Hose Couplings), NPSI (national pipestraight-intermediate or Dryseal USA (American) Standard IntermediateInternal Straight Pipe Thread), NPSL (national pipe straight-locknut orAmerican National Standard Straight Pipe Thread for Loose-fittingMechanical Joints with Locknuts), NPSM (national pipestraight-mechanical or American National Standard Straight Pipe Threadfor Free-fitting Mechanical Joints), NPTF (national pipe taper-fuel orDryseal USA (American) Standard Taper Pipe Thread), NPTR (national pipetaper-railing or American National Standard Taper Pipe for RailingJoints), and, PTF-SAE SHORT (pipe taper, fuel, SAE, short or Dryseal SAEShort Taper Pipe Thread). In addition, the threaded 31 interior surfaceof the cylindrical conduit interface 1 is sized for interfacing with ½inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3 inch, 3½inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41 mm, 53 mm,63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm, and 155 mm conduit as well as othersize conduit used in the art.

Additional embodiments of the present invention possess an apparatushead comprising a tapered alignment head 8 and 27. Embodiments of thepresent invention comprise a torque application interface 10 and 25possessing tab or tabbed indentions, indentions, and teeth 6 and 28.Embodiments of the present invention may comprise an extender joiningbody 2 that is permanently fixed to the abutting plate 5 and 22.Embodiments of the present invention may comprise an extender joiningbody 2 that is detachable from the abutting plate 5 and 22. Embodimentsof the present invention may comprise an extender joining body 2 withthreaded screw holes at a location that interfaces with the abuttingplate 17 and wherein the abutting plate 5 and 22 possesses threadedscrew holes 17 at a location that interfaces with the extender joiningbody 2. Embodiments of the present invention may comprise a conduitinterface 1 comprising a threaded interior surface 31 further comprisingthreading along the entire length of the interior of the conduitinterface up to the abutting plate 5 and 22. Embodiments of the presentinvention may optionally comprise threaded interior surface possesses atapered interior surface 32 circumference wherein the taper narrows thecircumference of the conduit interface as it approaches the abuttingplate 5 and 22.

The current invention methods comprise the steps of placing two or morelengths of metal conduit in series along a length of tract to whichconduit is to be laid. The placement of conduit may be indoors oroutdoors, on natural surface such as soil or on manmade surface such asconcrete or a metallic rack. A further step of the process requiresplacing metal conduit couplings between each of the lengths of metalconduit. The sequence of placement may be in serial placement or out oforder. The next step in the process requires starting to thread orattaching the metal conduit couplings by a screwing or turning motion tothe ends of each of the lengths of metal conduit. This will beginthreading the metal conduit coupling to the lengths of metal conduit. Ina preferred embodiment this would comprise two or three turns. Theprocess then requires stabilizing the terminal end of the lengths ofmetal conduit to prevent rotation. Stabilization of the terminal end isaccomplished through a connection to a junction box, pipe wrench, or atightening device to stop rotation or spinning. Then the step ofconnecting an apparatus for joining lengths of conduit to the near endof the lengths of metal conduit using an embodiment of the apparatusdescribed above. After the apparatus described above is threaded onto anopposite terminal end to that which is stabilized, a power drive devicefor applying torque to the torque application interface is attached andstarted. The torque may be applied to the torque application interfacefrom the side of the claimed apparatus. After starting, the appliedtorque threads each length of conduit to each coupling completingjoining extended lengths of conduit in an unexpectedly shorter amount oftime than that which could be achieved through manual threading.

An alternative embodiment of the methods comprise the steps ofconnecting an apparatus for joining lengths of conduit to the near endof the lengths of metal conduit using an embodiment of the apparatusdescribed above. Then placing two or more lengths of metal conduit inseries along a length of tract to which conduit is to be laid. Theplacement of conduit may be indoors or outdoors, on natural surface suchas soil or on manmade surface such as concrete or a metallic rack. Afurther step of the process requires placing metal conduit couplingsbetween each of the lengths of metal conduit. The sequence of placementmay be in serial placement of out of order. The next step in the processrequires starting to thread or attaching the metal conduit couplings bya screwing or turning motion to the ends of each of the lengths of metalconduit. This will begin threading the metal conduit coupling to thelengths of metal conduit. In a preferred embodiment this would comprisetwo or three turns. The process then requires stabilizing the terminalend of the lengths of metal conduit to prevent rotation. Stabilizationof the terminal end is accomplished through a connection to a junctionbox, pipe wrench, or a tightening device to stop rotation or spinning.After the apparatus described above is threaded onto an oppositeterminal end to that which is stabilized, a power drive device forapplying torque to the torque application interface is attached andstarted. The torque may be applied to the torque application interfacefrom the side of the claimed apparatus. After starting, the appliedtorque threads each length of conduit to each coupling completingjoining extended lengths of conduit in an unexpectedly shorter amount oftime than that which could be achieved through manual threading.

A still further alternative embodiment of the current invention methodscomprise the step of placing two or more lengths of threaded metalconduit in series along a length of tract to which conduit is to belaid. Then between each of the lengths of metal conduit a metal conduitcoupling is placed. The metal conduit couplings are attached by ascrewing motion to the ends of each of the lengths of metal conduit tobegin threading the metal conduit coupling to the lengths of metalconduit. In a preferred embodiment this would comprise two or threeturns. The process then requires stabilizing the terminal end of thelengths of metal conduit to prevent rotation. Then the step ofconnecting an apparatus for joining lengths of conduit to the near endof the lengths of metal conduit using an embodiment of the apparatusdescribed above. After the apparatus described above is threaded onto anopposite terminal end to that which is stabilized, a power drive devicefor applying torque to the torque application interface is attached andstarted. The torque may be applied to the torque application interfacefrom the side of the claimed apparatus. After starting, the appliedtorque threads each length of conduit to each coupling completingjoining extended lengths of conduit in an unexpectedly shorter length oftime than that which could be achieved through manual threading.

The embodiments of the methods described above confirms to the standardsdescribed above and are for use with varying lengths of metal conduitthat are ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41mm, 53 mm, 63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm, and 155 mm in diameteras well as other size conduit used in the art. In addition, embodimentsof the methods may comprise the use of conduit couplings are sized tofit said lengths of metal conduit having ½ inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4 inch, 5 inch, 6 inch,16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm, 78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm,129 mm, and 155 mm diameter as well as other size couplings used in theart. Embodiments of the method may comprise placing two or more lengthsof metal conduit in series along a length of tract to which conduit isto be laid is in a horizontal position or an angled positionperpendicular to the horizontal position or any angle there between.Preferred embodiments of the claimed apparatus and methods are for usewhen the length of tract is in a horizontal position or within severaldegrees of the horizontal position. Embodiments of the method maycomprise a connecting step of threading said cylindrical conduitinterface to the near end of the lengths of metal conduit.

The apparatus and methods for joining extended lengths of conduitprovide a means for decreasing the time required to assemble extendedlengths of conduit. These unexpected and surprising results weredemonstrated through the following data compiled in a head to headcomparison between the manual method of joining extended lengths ofconduit those methods claimed herein using the claimed apparatus.

For example, using the standard methods for assembling rigid conduitunder timed conditions, two individuals placed fifteen ten foot lengthsof four inch diameter conduit in series along a one hundred and fiftyfoot tract. In between each of the fifteen ten foot lengths of conduit,the two individuals placed fourteen four inch couplings. The individualsthen started each coupling on the end of each ten foot length of fourinch diameter conduit. Using pipe wrenches, the first individual heldthe conduit in a stabilized position while the second individual screwedthe four inch coupling until it could not be tightened further. Aftercompleting the first conduit and coupling, the first individual thenstabilized the assembled length of conduit and coupling while the secondindividual screwed a second piece of conduit to the opposite end of thecoupling that was tightened to the previous length of conduit. Thesecond individual then screwed the four inch diameter conduit to thecoupling until it could not be tightened any further. This process wasrepeated for each of the lengths of four inch diameter conduit and theircorresponding interspaced couplings along the one hundred and fifty foottract of conduit until all fifteen ten foot lengths of four inch conduitand fourteen four inch conduit are assembled and tightened until theycannot be tightened further. The total time for completion of joiningthese extended lengths of conduit using standard methods took one hourand twelve minutes or seventy two minutes total.

Using the currently claimed methods and apparatus for assembling conduitand under timed conditions, two individuals placed fifteen ten footlengths of four inch diameter conduit in series along a one hundred andfifty foot tract. In between each of the fifteen ten foot lengths ofconduit, the two individuals placed fourteen four inch couplings. Theindividuals then started threading each coupling on the end of each tenfoot length of four inch diameter conduit using approximately two tothree turns. After starting the threading of the first single conduitand coupling, the first individual with the assistance of the secondindividual then using two to three turns started the threading of asecond piece of conduit to the opposite end of the coupling that wasstarted threaded to the previous length of conduit. This process wasrepeated for each of the lengths of four inch diameter conduit and theircorresponding interspaced couplings along the one hundred and fifty foottract of conduit until all fifteen ten foot lengths of four inch conduitand fourteen four inch conduit threading was started using two to threeturns of each. The first individual then connected the apparatus asdescribed herein for joining lengths of conduit to the near end of thelengths of conduit. The second individual then stabilized the far end ofthe lengths of conduit using a chain wrench. Torque was then applied tothe apparatus resulting in the lengths of metal conduit and couplingbeing screwed together in a single step until each length of conduit andcoupling cannot be tightened further. The total time for completion ofjoining these extended lengths of conduit using the currently claimedmethods and apparatus took twenty six minutes.

By comparing the standard methods for assembling conduit to thecurrently claimed methods and apparatus for assembling conduit as setforth above demonstrates that using the claimed apparatus and methodsresult in a forty five minute decrease in time necessary to assembleconduit. Further, using the currently claimed methods and apparatus forassembling conduit as set forth above only require one third of the time(twenty six minutes) as that which is necessary using the standardtechnique that requires seventy two minutes to complete. The two-thirdsdecrease in time required for assembling conduit represents anunexpected and surprising benefit of using the claimed apparatus andmethods. In addition, the decrease in physical labor required by themethods claimed herein as compared to those required for the standardmethods of assembling conduit, allows individuals involved in theelectrical arts to reserve their physical energy for other tasks andcontributes to efficiency.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for joining lengths of conduit, saidapparatus comprising: a cylindrical apparatus head with a torqueapplication interface arranged around the circumference of saidcylindrical apparatus head comprising indentions between two shoulders;an extender joining body; an abutting plate; and, a cylindrical conduitinterface comprising a threaded interior surface; and, wherein saidcylindrical apparatus head, said extender joining body, said abuttingplate, and said cylindrical conduit interface are disposed in the statedorder along a common longitudinal axis and are fixed relative to eachother.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus headcomprises a tapered alignment head.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid torque application interface comprises tab indentions.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said extender joining body is permanentlyfixed to said abutting plate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidextender joining body is detachable from said abutting plate.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein said extender joining body possessesattachment means at a location that interfaces with said abutting plate;and, wherein said abutting plate possesses attachment means at alocation that interfaces with said extender joining body.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein said conduit interface comprising athreaded interior surface further comprises threading along the entirelength of the interior of said conduit interface up to said abuttingplate.
 8. An apparatus for joining lengths of conduit, said apparatuscomprising: a cylindrical apparatus head with a torque applicationinterface arranged around the circumference of said cylindricalapparatus head comprising indentions between two shoulders; an extenderjoining body; an abutting plate, wherein said abutting plate ispermanently fixed to a conduit interface; and, the cylindrical conduitinterface comprising a threaded interior surface for interfacing withconduit having a diameter selected from the group consisting of ½ inch,¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm,78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm, or 155 mm; and, wherein said cylindricalapparatus head, said extender joining body, said abutting plate, andsaid cylindrical conduit interface are disposed in the stated orderalong a common longitudinal axis and are fixed relative to each other.9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said apparatus head comprises atapered alignment head.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein saidtorque application interface comprises tab indentions.
 11. The apparatusof claim 8, wherein said extender joining body is permanently fixed tosaid abutting plate.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said extenderjoining body is detachable from said abutting plate.
 13. The apparatusof claim 12, wherein said extender joining body possesses threaded screwholes at a location that interfaces with said abutting plate; and,wherein said abutting plate possesses threaded screw holes at a locationthat interfaces with said extender joining body.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein said extender joining body possesses threaded screwholes at a location that interfaces with said abutting plate; and,wherein said abutting plate possesses threaded screw holes at a locationthat interfaces with said extender joining body.
 15. An apparatus forjoining lengths of conduit, said apparatus comprising: a cylindricalapparatus head with a torque application interface arranged around thecircumference of said cylindrical apparatus head between two shoulders;an extender joining body possessing a means for attachment to anabutting plate; an abutting plate, wherein said abutting plate ispermanently fixed to a conduit interface; and, the cylindrical conduitinterface comprising a threaded interior surface for interfacing withconduit having a diameter selected from the group consisting of ½ inch,¾ inch, 1 inch, 1¼ inch, 1½ inch, 2 inch, 2½ inch, 3 inch, 3½ inch, 4inch, 5 inch, 6 inch, 16 mm, 21 mm, 27 mm, 35 mm, 41 mm, 53 mm, 63 mm,78 mm, 91 mm, 103 mm, 129 mm, or 155 mm conduit; and, wherein saidcylindrical apparatus head, said extender joining body, said abuttingplate, and said cylindrical conduit interface are disposed in the statedorder along a common longitudinal axis and are fixed relative to eachother.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said torque applicationinterface comprises indentions.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, whereinsaid torque application interface comprises teeth.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein said extender joining body is detachable from saidabutting plate.